Mundelein parks employee to retire after 34 years

Rita Kipp, superintendent of recreation at the Mundelein Park District, is set to retire later in October.

Rita Kipp, superintendent of recreation at the Mundelein Park District, is set to retire later in October. (Mundelein Park District)

Pioneer PressStaff report

Lifelong Mundelein resident Rita Kipp had a hand in almost every major project at the Park District, but now she’s calling it a career.

Kipp is retiring after 34 years with the Mundelein Park District, according to a news release issued by the district. She is currently the superintendent of recreation.

The new $4.8 million recreation center being built along Dunbar Road just east of Midlothian Road was the last project Kipp exerted her wisdom on.

Before that, Kipp was involved with the construction of the Community Center and Park View Health and Fitness, Steeple Chase Golf Club, Diamond Lake Sports Complex, Barefoot Bay Family Aquatic Center and the Regent Center, according to the Park District release.

“Rita has been such a strong force in the growth and success of the Park District. We truly would not be the agency we are today without her commitment and professionalism,” Executive Director Margaret Resnick said in a written statement. “She has always supported staff which gave them the ability to serve the public so well. She understands the big picture and put the needs of the agency first.”

Kipp said she plans to stick around.

“My family at the Park District and the residents of our village made my job feel like home,” Kipp said in a written statement. “Mundelein is a special place and I still plan to be a part of the community in some capacity, whether it is participating in programs at the district or volunteering for community events.”

Kipp’s retirement becomes effected later in October, according to the Park District.